Objectives:
• To DEFINE moral relativism
• To OUTLINE the arguments for moral relativism
• To OUTLINE objections to moral relativism
• To DEFINE moral absolutism
• To OUTLINE the arguments for moral absolutism
• To OUTLINE objections to moral absolutism
Assignment and Rubric
Read the posted essays under this module
1. Introductory Lecture Notes
2. Read Lecture notes on “Relativism, Absolutism, and Universalism,” by Jocquelyn ​Pollack-Byrne
3. “A Refutation of Moral Relativism,” by Peter Kreeft
Please answer, thoroughly and completely, the following question:
Is moral relativism a defensible basis for making difficult moral decisions?
To answer this question, and thus make a significant contribution to the discussion board, you must answer two smaller questions:
Question 1:
First, provide at least four arguments in favor of moral relativism (40 points). The more and comprehensive the arguments, the higher the point value will be.
Excellent—Provides at least four solid arguments = 28 points.
Good—Provides at least three arguments and/or statements of proof= 21 points
Satisfactory—Provides at least two arguments and/or statements of proof= 14 points
Developing– Provides fewer than two arguments and/or statements of proof= 0-7 points
Question 2:
Outline and discuss at least four reasonable objections to the moral relativist’s position (40 points). The more and thorough the discussion, the higher the point value will be.
Excellent—Provides at least four reasonable objections to your position= 28 points.
Good—Provides at least three reasonable objections to your position = 21 points
Satisfactory—Provides at least two reasonable objections to your position = 14 points
Developing– Provides fewer than two reasonable objections to your position= 0-7 points
Total = 80 points
Excellent—72-80 points
Good—64-71 points
Satisfactory—48-63 points
Developing— < 48 points
